The first days home with your new pup are exciting! A new member of your family, a new playmate for your children or other pets, an adorable new furry friend! Your pup will have the run of the house soon enough, but for now, please remember he’s still a baby. Think of your new pup as a newborn and keep the activity and noise level of your home low for a few days. This is a sweet period of getting to know each other. Naps in your lap are just the best! Puppy breath! And, uh oh, puppy puddles. Yikes! Read our advice on housetraining here.
It’s very common for puppies to experience stress-induced upset tummy when they first go home. Keep an eye out for it and call your vet if you’re worried. Call your vet immediately if there is blood or if you’re concerned about dehydration. A spoonful of raw, canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling) or plain Greek yogurt added to their regular kibble can help settle the stomach. Feed smaller meals throughout the day. Some like to use probiotics such as FortiFlora regularly. Make sure your puppy is drinking enough water! Tummy issues in a small pup can be concerning or even frightening. Don’t hesitate to call your vet.
!!! DO NOT TAKE YOUR PUPPY TO PUBLIC SPACES !!! We cannot stress this enough!! Your puppy will have had its first set of vaccinations before leaving us, but until your puppy is FULLY vaccinated, he is susceptible to infectious diseases. Parvo is by far the most worrisome because it is highly contagious and often deadly. There is no cure for parvo, only supportive measures. PLEASE research this and WAIT to start showing off your new baby!! Read more about parvo here: AKC Parvo Article. Your puppy needs daily trips in the car at this stage to reinforce that the car isn’t a scary place to be, but please don’t let his feet touch the ground outside of your personal home. It’s just not worth the risk. Discuss your pup’s vaccination schedule with your veterinarian. Go ahead and pre-book your vaccine appointments so that you don’t miss any.
